Peter Kevin Perkins

Peter “Pete” Kevin Perkins, 65, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away April 4, 2024. He was born February 4, 1959, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Richard and Jane Perkins.  

Pete is survived by his brothers, Jim Perkins (Karen) and John Perkins (Lindsey); five nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends. 

Pete graduated from Russellville High School in 1977. He spent a year at the University of Wyoming where he ran track. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Biology from the University of Arkansas. Pete was part of the team that started and hosted Drive Time Sports on KLRA 1010 AM radio, and he continued to be a frequent guest after it moved to 103.7 The Buzz in 1989. He worked in the sports department of the Arkansas Gazette before moving to the Arkansas Democrat in 1991, just a few months before the Gazette closed. 

Pete was an award-winning sportswriter, including a national award for his coverage of the controversial 1999 Arkansas Derby where a jockey used a buzzer during the race. He was the beat writer for UALR sports and the Gulf South Conference over the years and was a feature writer for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. And his general assignment duties had him covering everything from professional hockey, high school sports to the Arkansas Travelers. 

Since 2015, Pete has covered racing at Oaklawn for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 

One of his passions was writing about running, especially the Little Rock Marathon and the Fast Firecracker 5K, both of which he also ran over the years. He also loved covering the Arkansas Traveler 100.

Pete was a long-time member of the running club, Little Rock Hash House Harriers.

He was a gifted storyteller in print and more so in person. His knack for storytelling helped him make friends with everybody he met. They will all miss him. 

Visitation will be at 10:00AM on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main Street) with a funeral service following at 11:00AM.